12. When a chlorine atom forms an ion its radius increases, but when a sodium atom forms an ion its radius decreases. Explain this apparent contradiction

Explanation:
When a chlorine atom forms an ion, it gains electrons, making it negative. A neutral chlorine will become a chlorine with a -1 charge. When it gains an electron, the radius increases.
When a sodium atom forms an ion, it loses electrons, making it positive. A neutral sodium will become a sodium with a +1 charge. When it loses an electron, the radius decreases.